The Sustainabile Cities Institute (SCI) is now a part of the National League of Cities Center for Research and Innovation.

The SCI provides cities with resources, strategies and tools to help identify and implement solutions to advance sustainability goals and strengthen their communities. 

Among other items, the site contains city profiles, case studies, model policies and communication tools.

The SCI was created in 2009 as a online platform of sustainability resources. Originally started by The Home Depot Foundation, the NLC Sustainability Program, operating within the Center for Research and Innovation was chosen to continue its work.

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.

A business environment that is supportive of entrepreneurs and small businesses is a key asset of 21st Century Communities. The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) recently released its newest Entrepreneurship Scorecard, which tracks Michigan’s progress in creating that environment. The report shows progress in a number of areas, but much work in this area remains to be done.

Two projects of the Michigan Municipal League were highlighted by SBAM as bright spots. The Economics of Place was cited several times, including on page 125, highlighting the connections between entrepreneurship, placemaking and economic growth. Our Green Communities program was mentioned on page 140 as a key driver of green economic development. Thank you to SBAM and the report's authors, Mark Clevey and Graham Toft, for the recognition and for continuing to push Michigan in new innovative directions.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him via email or Twitter.

The Michigan Municipal League is supporting a statewide initiative to help communities plan for a transition to electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles. Led by the Clean Energy Coalition (CEC) and supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, we are collaborating with more than 40 partners to develop a statewide electric vehicle charging infrastructure preparedness plan. One of the goals of this plan, the Plug-In Ready Michigan Plan, is to provide local governments with the necessary tools and resources to begin including electric vehicle charging stations in public and private parking spaces.

Local government officials and staff are critical to this effort and ultimately will be the ones to implement whatever policy and procedures are recommended in the plan. Consequently, CEC does not want to move forward with this important planning process without your support and counsel. They have designed a survey to help ensure your voice is heard and help them better understand your requirements and perspectives on the future of electric vehicle infrastructure in Michigan.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Green Communities Challenge. Contact him by email or follow him on Twitter.

EPA's State and Local Climate and Clean Energy Program recently launched a new online Financing Program Decision Tool and a Financing Program Decision Guide to help communities finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Financing Program Decision Tool is designed for state and local government leaders in the early stages of choosing a clean energy financing program. Answer a handful of simple questions and the Tool highlights quickly the most promising program options for your jurisdiction to pursue. The Financing Program Decision Guide complements the Tool. This Guide includes the basics on financing-program options, as well as key considerations and factors for states and communities to weigh as they start up or expand their clean energy financing programs. Access the Financing Program Decision Tool and Financing Program Decision Guide.

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator with the Center for 21st Century Communities and the Green Communities Challenge. Contact him at lforrest@mml.org, 734-669-6323 or @l4est.